Environment and health

The environment is a major determinant of health, estimated to account for almost 20% of all deaths in the WHO European Region. In 1989, concerned about the growing evidence of the impact of hazardous environments on human health, WHO/Europe initiated the first ever environment and health process, towards a broad primary prevention public health approach, and to facilitate intersectoral policy-making.
Collaboration between different sectors is crucial to protect human health from the risks of a hazardous or contaminated environment. Through its European Centre on Environment and Health, WHO/Europe brings many players together with Member States to tackle central environment and health issues.